Catalans Dragons are still hoping captain Greg Bird will play against Super League champions Leeds on the second day of the Magic Weekend at Murrayfield.

The Australian Test stand-off was this week convicted of assault when he appeared in court in Sydney but was released on bail pending an appeal and sentencing in June, and is due to fly straight to Edinburgh on Saturday to link up with his team-mates ahead of Sunday’s match against the Rhinos.

“He’ll be there but he’ll be travel weary,” said coach Kevin Walters. “Our medical staff haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet but they’ll have a look at him when he arrives in Edinburgh.”

The former Cronulla star picked up a groin injury on his last appearance for the Catalans in their 38-6 win over Salford in Perpignan a fortnight ago.

Bird has experience of quickly overcoming jet lag, having played against Wakefield in March just 24 hours after flying back from a court appearance in Australia.

Bird is free to continue his rugby career, despite his conviction, and Walters has no qualms about playing his star man.

“The best way is to get on with the things he does best and he does that pretty well,” he said. “Hopefully he will take the field on Sunday but we’re not sure yet.”

The Dragons are still without leading points-scorer Thomas Bosc and former Australian Test prop Jason Ryles but Walters is hoping to have the influential Adam Mogg back after being dogged by hamstring trouble for the last two months.

Leeds, who have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, are boosted by the return of centre Lee Smith, who has missed the last six games with a knee infection.